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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many people does Larry tell Mother to budget for food and lodging, concerning his summer guests that will be arriving within a few weeks?

2. Who is the most weird and fascinating character Gerry meets on his explorations?

3. Who does Gerald dedicate this book to?

4. What kind of books are on Mother's bedside table?

5. Gerald's mother receives a shipment of two pelicans, a scarlet ibis, a vulture, and eight monkeys. Which one gives her trouble?

Short Essay Questions

1. What mishap occurred, in front of the Greek King, at the stage show of Battle of Thermopylae?

2. How does Gerry come to the conclusion to visit Yani after his swim?

3. How did spring affect Mother, when left undisturbed by Larry? What affect did this have on Larry?

4. Why is the Rose-Beetle Man described as one of the most weird and fascinating characters Gerry met?

5. Was Mother's request to be shown a villa with a bathroom unreasonable?

6. In the garden, Gerry finds an earwig's nest, and posts a sign for passers by to beware and keep quiet. What words were spelled correctly on the sign, and why is that significant to his character?

7. What did Gerry think about his family's contribution to the book?

8. Why was Yani one of the people Gerry liked best?

9. What was Theodore's opinion about life on Mars?

10. Who instigates the move to Corfu and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spiro had a belligerent side and a loveable one too. The taxi drivers and customs officials felt his wrath, while the Durrell family only received his love and kindness. Compare and contrast these too very different sides of Spiro.

Essay Topic 2

The Rose-Beetle Man was a very interesting character to Gerry. What was the tone in the beginning of Part I: Chapter 3, The Rose-Beetle Man with the introduction of his character? What was the tone set by the Gerry the last time he saw the Rose-Beetle Man? How does the tone differ, and how is this difference conveyed?

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the book, the Durrell family argues over much, but only once do they agree on something. What is it that they agree on, and what is the significance of this event to the family and the story?

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